DJ Khaled To Host Fuse Hip-Hop Countdown; Talks Tour With Rick Ross

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When it comes to bombastic banter, DJ Khaled takes a backseat to very few. The omnipresent producer, artist, tastemaker and Def Jam executive is rarely at a loss for words, an attribute that has fueled the overtly vocal rap statesman’s signature mantra We The Best!!! So it’s fitting that Khaled is set to appear as a host of Fuse’s countdown of some of the most influential and beloved rap songs of all-time. Billed as the “Top 100 Hip Hop Hits,” the music television network’s ten-hour countdown will air a new one-hour episode every weeknight at 9pm ET, kicking off this Monday October 24th until Friday, November 4th. And according to DJ Khaled, the show was a learning experience for the Young Money artist.

“It’s big because its recapping history,” Khaled says of the Fuse countdown, which will also be individually hosted by actress Naturi Naughton and veteran Bad Meets Evil spitter Royce da 5’9”. “When I was doing the show I even got educated on certain things. I’m just excited for the fans that will get the chance to watch history. We are recapping all the hits and great artists like Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, myself, and Birdman. It’s just amazing.”

One aspect of hosting the countdown that caught Khaled off-guard was the surreal fact that the kid who grew up break dancing on the streets of New Orleans is now rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest artists of all time. “It’s funny because I’m reading from the script and my name comes up on the teleprompter,” he says. “It feels good man, because it shows you that hard work pays off.”

And Khaled promises more heat. With his current release We The Best Forever still making noise, the “I’m On One” rap ringleader is already plotting a follow-up as well as a tour with frequent collaborator and friend Rick Ross. “I have a few hits under my belt and I’m already talking about my new album,” he says in an excited tone. “I mentioned it on the set earlier, but I’m going to hold back on it now. I don’t want to give too much up. It’s going to be so crazy. And me, Ross and the whole team are putting a tour together. We are going to ask everyone from all the camps to join us. Ross’ manager is getting it all together. Hopefully we can make it happen.”—Keith Murphy (@murphdogg29)